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Start Your FREE 2018 NC DMV Practice Test Now

The Wright Brothers didn’t need a license to fly at Kitty Hawk, but if you want to drive to the Appalachians in North Carolina, you’ll need an operator’s license for a motor vehicle. And while we can’t promise a path to your pilot’s license, the process toward getting any other licensure, including motorcycles, cars or commercial vehicles is summed up on our site. Use our DMV practice tests and over 300 questions to achieve success at the NC DMV, including learner’s permit and driver’s license tests that look and feel exactly like the real thing. Our question bank is made up of answers that are many times identical to what you will see on the exam and we even have a cheat sheet available to give you some last minute pointers before you start your testing.

Which tests should I take?

It’s a cinch to snag a great career driving commercially in The Tar Heel state. So if you want to drive a truck or bus around Charlotte and make money doing it, you’ll need a North Carolina commercial driver’s license (CDL). An application fee for A, B or C class vehicle license is $15 per year with just $3 per year for endorsements like passenger and school busses, doubles/triples, tank vehicles, hazardous materials, or air brake restriction removal. But then you’ll face the tests – 70 Questions for Class A vehicles and 50 for Class B and C – plus more for any of the endorsements. Many of the endorsements are also supplemented with skills tests. Luckily we have practice exams and cheat sheets that will help you pass the first time with flying colors.

Where do I go to apply for my North Carolina license?

How may I contact a North Carolina DMV office?

You may contact the call center with your questions at (919) 715-7000 or you can check them out here.

Who needs to bring me for my written test in North Carolina?

Your mom, dad or legal guardian should bring you if you are younger than 18.

Are physicals required in order to get a permit in North Carolina?

No. A physical isn’t required for your North Carolina permit.

Does North Carolina require a vision test before getting a license?

Absolutely! You must pass a vision test before getting a license in North Carolina.

Where should I go for my North Carolina driver’s license picture?

You will have your picture taken at the North Carolina DMV office.

What’s the next step after I apply for my North Carolina driver’s license?

Once you’ve passed your knowledge test, you will be issued your permit. If you’re under 18, you must practice driving for at least 12 months before applying for your limited provisional license. During this time, you should be getting at least 60 hours of behind the wheel training. If you are older than 18, you may apply for your license immediately after getting your permit.

Where can I find a North Carolina driver’s manual?

Is it necessary for me to read the entire North Carolina driver’s handbook?

Definitely. The North Carolina driver’s manual has all of the information you need to know in order to pass your knowledge test. Be sure to take advantage of other helpful study sources such as practice tests and flash cards.

Is there a mobile North Carolina practice test app for my iPhone/iPad?

Where do I go to sign up for my permit test in North Carolina?

When will I be able to get my permit in North Carolina?

North Carolina allows applicants to get their permit as early as age 15 if they have had driver’s education.

Are there any specific documents I should have when I go to take my permit test in North Carolina?

Yes. Here’s what you should take:

Two Proofs of Identity

Proof of Social Security Number

Proof of Residency

Driver’s eligibility certificate or high school diploma ( if younger than 18)

Driver’s education certificate ( if younger than 18)

What’s the cost of a North Carolina learner’s permit?

A North Carolina permit costs $15.

Should my parents bring me for my permit test in North Carolina?

Yes, if you are younger than 18. They must come in order to sign your application.

What will I need to know in order to pass my North Carolina permit test?

You will need to know road rules and traffic signs. Everything on traffic signs can be found in Chapter 5. In order to pass, you should know about:

Warning Signs

Pulling into Traffic

Lane Passing

Interstate Driving

Pavement Markings

Regulatory Signs

How many questions are there on the North Carolina permit test?

There are 25 questions on the North Carolina permit test.

What do I need to score in order to pass the North Carolina permit test?

You must score 20 out of 25 questions correctly.

How many questions can I get wrong on the North Carolina permit test?

Don’t miss more than 5 questions.

What common mistakes are made on the North Carolina permit test?

The most common mistake is made when applicants don’t study.

Will I be allowed to use the North Carolina driver’s book on the permit test?

No way! No manuals allowed during the permit test.

Do I get a drug test when I get a learner’s permit in North Carolina?

No, a drug test is not necessary when getting a driver’s license in North Carolina.

Which DMV office is the easiest to go to when taking the North Carolina permit test?

The easiest DMV office will be one in a rural area. The wait time is much less. You can find a list of all office locations on the North Carolina DMV website.

Where can I see some feedback from people who have already passed their North Carolina permit test?

Click any of the NC permit practice tests above and scroll to the Facebook comments section – these comments were written by real people who have already passed the real DMV test or are planning to do so.

I failed my North Carolina permit test, what now?

If you fail, you won’t get your permit. You should study in the areas where you’re weak and take it again when you’re ready.

When is the next time I can take my North Carolina written test if I fail?

You may take your test again as early as the next day.

Who may I have in the car with me while driving in North Carolina with a permit?

Your supervising licensed driver must be in the car with you at all times.

Can I drive anywhere in North Carolina with a learner’s permit?

Yes, in fact, you are encouraged to get plenty of practice on a variety of streets and roads with a supervising licensed driver 21 or older.

What happens after I pass my permit test in North Carolina?

Once you pass your test and pay your $15 permit fee, you’ll get your permit. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before applying for your next license. If you are under 17, you must get 60 hours of behind the wheel training.

Getting Ready for Your North Carolina Road Test: FAQ

What’s the smartest way to prepare for the North Carolina road test?

Part of preparing for the road test is getting plenty of practice time in with your supervising licensed driver. Begin on streets that aren’t busy and ease your way into navigating among heavy traffic.

Can I practice driving anywhere in North Carolina?

Absolutely. You may drive anywhere with your supervising licensed driver between 5am and 9pm.

Where can I find a driving school in North Carolina?

You may take driver’s education either through a local high school or a driving school.

What should I bring to the DMV on the day of the road test?

Be sure to have:

Supervising licensed driver

Learner’s permit

Proof of insurance

Documentation for 60 hours of behind the wheel practice ( if under 18)

What can I expect to do on my North Carolina driving exam?

You will need to perform basic driving patterns and show your ability to drive safely with traffic. Some of the things that you will do include but are not limited to:

Navigating through intersections, stop signs and traffic signals

Backing up

Three-Point Turns

Is there anything I should do the night before my North Carolina road test?

We suggest you get one more good practice drive in. After that, relax and look forward to passing your test.

Do I need to schedule a driving test in North Carolina?

It isn’t required for you to schedule a road test appointment. Most DMV’s accept walk-ins; however, some locations will allow you to schedule an appointment.

What happens after I pass my North Carolina driving test?

Awesome job! Now that you have passed your road test, you will be issued a temporary license until your license arrives in the mail.

Will there be limitations on my North Carolina driver’s license after I get it?

If you are under 18, you may only drive between 5am and 9pm without adult supervision.

Is there anything I should keep in mind when driving in North Carolina for the first time?

There are a few things to remember when driving in North Carolina for the first time:

Always wear your seat belt.

Be extra cautious driving around farm equipment

When leaving the highway, signal your turn well in advance

Always have a possible “escape route” in order to avoid colliding with another vehicle

What is the best type of car insurance to have in North Carolina?

You will be required to carry a minimum coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury and $60,000 for all persons injured in one accident. Here’s all you need to know about North Carolina Auto Insurance.

What documents do I need in order to get my first North Carolina auto insurance?

When getting car insurance in North Carolina, you will need to supply basic information about your car and yourself.

How much can I expect to pay for car insurance in North Carolina?

The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $1,204 per year.

Where can I find the best car insurance in North Carolina?

There are plenty of good insurance companies in North Carolina such as:

The Hartford Auto

Geico

All State

Why is car insurance more expensive for new drivers in North Carolina?

Car insurance rates are based on many factors such as driving history, vehicle class, age, gender, and type of coverage. New drivers have more accidents, more often on average, than seasoned drivers which is why they pay higher premium rates.

Do I need to take a vision test again when renewing my North Carolina driver’s license?

I’m Moving to North Carolina! Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pass a road test when I move to North Carolina from another state, for example South Carolina?

Welcome to North Carolina. You may use your out-of-state license for 60 days. After that, you must pass a vision test and a written road sign test in order to get a North Carolina license.

Is my out-of-state learner’s permit valid in North Carolina?

Yes. You can exchange your out-of-state permit for a North Carolina permit if you become a resident. You will still have to take a driver’s education course if you are under 18.

Is there a limit to how long I can drive in North Carolina with my out-of-state license?

You may drive with your out-of-state license as long as you want if you are not a resident. If you become a resident, you may drive with it for up to 60 days.

How long may I drive in North Carolina with my out-of-country license?

North Carolina welcomes visitors and wants you to utilize driving privileges during your stay. You may use your license for up to one year. After that, you must apply for a North Carolina driver’s license.

How can I find more driving-related information about moving to North Carolina?

General Questions About NC Driving License

When is it legal to drive in North Carolina?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner’s permit in North Carolina. A licensed driver must accompany you at all times until you obtain your license. You may get your license after you have had your permit for 12 months.

What is the legal limit for drinking and driving in North Carolina?

Just like all other states, North Carolina doesn’t want you to drink and drive. For this reason, if you are under 21 years old the BAC limit is .02%. If you are 21 or older, the BAC limit is .08%.

Here’s What Other Learners from NC Are Saying:

"After working in South Africa for nine years I needed to transfer my Florida license and the NCDOT website implies a written test is always needed. Thankfully I just needed to identify a group of signs during the vision test but the practice tests were a great refresher to the rules of USA roads and it's better to be over prepared than under prepared!"

Andrew H., Charlotte, North Carolina

"Just took the General knowledge CDL test and passed with a 91. These questions are dead on with the test."

Anthony J., Raleigh, NC

"These tests are the closest you will find the the actual thing - passed it and I am so happy I used Driving-Tests.org. It is a MUST for anyone who is interested in doing well!"

Olivia C., Greensboro, North Carolina

"Used this site a few days before my test, and passes first try with 22/25 in about 10 minutes. This site really helps and most questions on the permit test were just like what this site has. Would recommend 100%."

Sarah B., Durham, North Carolina

"This site was awesome. Every practice that I took was on the Test at the DMV here in NC. This site will help you pass your first time. Practice and you will be so successful on your first time taking the real test at the DMV. Thank you."

Michael J., Winston-Salem, North Carolina

"I went to take the permit test today, I was shaking and I was SO NERVOUS. I took all the tests until I could make a 100 every time, and I studied these tests for more than 3 hours! So many of the questions on the actual test were just like the ones on this website. I am so happy that I found this website because it helped me to pass on the first try! And make sure you study up on the drunk driving statistics, there were at least 3 questions on there with drunk driving! "

Caeley M, NC

"This site helped a whole lot. Many people I know only studied the DMV handbook, and they failed the first time (one even failed twice). I used these tests to prepare for myself. They are an accurate representation of what is on the real test. If you can get a hold of the material in the practice tests, you should be able to pass easily. The actual test is MUCH easier."

D. Jones, North Carolina

"Well, I’m 23 years old and I’ve had a slight fear of driving since legal age. I got the constant nagging from people that I needed to start the process, but always turned the other way. I failed my permit test in March 2011 and was devastated. I had it in my head afterwards, that it was not even worth picking up that book ever again. In the past couple of weeks, I decided I needed to make my own luck and get control of my life. I studied this site constantly, making note-page after note-page, and passed my test this morning (6-28-13) with flying colors. 20/21 correct. Thanks so much to the creators of this website, it helped incredibly!"

Steve Carlson, North Carolina

"I took the Permit test today and I got 100%!! Thank you Driving-Tests.org!!! I highly recommend these practice tests, they're exetremly helpful."

Ellie Mumford, North Carolina

"This website is great. I studied the book 5 times and then took all the tests over and over till i made 100. when i took the actual test at the DMV they were identical but with different wording. I only missed 5 questions and passed on my first try. Really recommend this website!!!! "

Ellie Mumford, North Carolina

"This has really helped me out! This was much better than sitting in a 4 hour class. I've learned a lot just by taking these tests. SN: the hints was a great help."

Chelsey Elliott, NC

"This website helped me pass my test! So glad I tried it out."

Nia Studstill, NC

"I really want to think the inventors of this website because I passed my permit test the first time. You really don't even need to look at the book because it really will confuse you when it comes to the test all I did was study of this website for about a week and I passed the first time with an 80."

Kadavion Williams, North Carolina

"I passed my written test this morning. I give full credit to this site for my score. The real test was very similar to the questions that I went through here. I think that the Challenge Bank was the most useful feature that was added. I will definitely be recommending this site to my sister and anyone else who is about to take the test! "